Muker Parish Council Minutes – 2014/15
25 March 2014 – Annual Meeting
25 March 2014
13 May 2014
24 June 2014
19 August 2014
13 October 2014
25 November 2014
20 January 2015 MUKER PARISH ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Tuesday 25th March 2014 in Muker Institute. Councillors Metcalfe, Reynoldson and Whitehead were present. The Parish Clerk was also present.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Cllr Raymond Calvert, Cllr Malcolm Gardner, Cllr Bryan Porter
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: Cllr Ernest Whitehead was elected Chairman, nominated by Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Reynoldson.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of the previous meeting held on 26th March, 2013 could not be located in the file. The Clerk will search through the box of paperwork left by the previous clerk.
MATTERS ARISING: The notice board in Thwaite needs a cork backing put on as putting pins directly onto the hardboard back is very difficult. One door is warped and a catch isn’t working. Cllr Reynoldson will look at the catch and Cllr Whitehead will source the cork.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT AT 31.3.13: This showed an opening balance of £2,323.97; Incomings of £1,552.29 and Outgoings of £2,371.38. The balance to carry forward is £3,876.26.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 25th March, 2014
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 25th March, 2014. Councillors Metcalfe and Reynoldson with Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Ms K Scott.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Calvert, Cllr Gardner, Cllr Porter
2. Declaration of Interests: Cllr Metcalfe and Cllr Whitehead expressed interest in the planning application which had been approved by YDNPA at Usha Gap, Muker.
3. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on14th January, 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Reynoldson. All in favour.
4. Matters Arising: a. Angram village signs: We are still waiting for Highways to complete the Angram sign project. b. Defibrillators: Open Spaces and Amenities at RDC have declined our request to put the Muker public defibrillator on the outside wall of the public toilets. The Clerk to ask Cllr Gardner to follow up. c. New road surface on Buttertubs. Highways have replied stating that the new surface is in fact non slip and confirms to appropriate standards. The Chairman had attended a meeting and the Highways re-iterated this view. It was noted that slippery surface signs have been put up on the Buttertubs road. d. Ivelet Bridge: work has now started on the bridge and a notice says the road will be closed for 2 weeks. Cllr Metcalfe is concerned that little work had been done over the last week, giving concern that the bridge repairs will take longer than 2 weeks. 5. Finance: a. Clerk’s pay is due. Cllr Whitehead proposed an increase from £700pa to £800pa. All in favour. b. The Clerk is to pay a VAT refund of £146.22 to Mrs King who sponsored a bench seat at East Gill. c. The Clerk to raise order to pay the YLCA annual membership and Parish Council Insurance. 6. Highways: a. Angram village signs and Muker yellow line painting has not yet been done. The Clerk was asked to contact Highways for an update. The line painting needs to be done before Easter.
7. Richmondshire District Council: a. The Council noted the information regarding the latest Community Opportunities Fund, the up to date Newsletter, the Health Forum meeting in Hawes on 27th March and the Parish Plan information. b. Upper Dales Area Partnership meeting to be held tomorrow evening was noted. No one was available to attend. The Clerk to seek further clarification from Cllr Gardner concerning the information received regarding the changes to Bus route 30. It is unclear whether the stretch from Reeth to Keld will be an on demand service only. c. The Council noted the information regarding the La Fete du Tour – any local event that is happening on 31 May 2014 is asked to consider making it part of the events to raise awareness of the Tour De France in July 2014. d. Cllr Reynoldson had received a request from The Swaledale Business Forum regarding a Welcome To Swaledale sign near the guide post at the bottom of the Buttertubs. The Council has no objections. 8. NYCC:
9. YDNPA: a. The Chairman read a letter out about tree surgery in the conservation area around Park Lodge, Keld. b. The approval of the Usha Gap planning application was noted.
10. YLCA: The Council noted the correspondence and information sent by YLCA on electronic payment now being legal. The policy within Muker Parish will remain that two signatures are required on cheque payments.
11. Correspondence/AOB: Mrs Diana Hartley had sent a picture of the seat that has been made by her step-son in memory of his father. The Council discussed again the potential locations for this bench. The Clerk is to contact Mrs R Hunter, Secretary of Muker Common as the two sites under consideration would be under the jurisdiction of the pasture committee.
Cllr Blackie had sent an email regarding Hawes post office and its future following the current owner’s retirement later in the year. The Council fully supports the proposal to put the Post Office within the Community Office and the sorting office on the Business Park. It is hoped that the changes may also impact Muker by having an Outreach Post Office in Muker.
The Clerk advised that she had been sent the latest Electors Register for the Parish.
Mrs A Madden had contacted the Council as she wished to discuss a housing needs survey. As no new house building would be permitted within Muker Parish, the Council declined Mrs Madden’s kind invitation.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place at 7.30pm on 13th May, 24th June and 19th August 2014. Meeting closed at 9.00pm MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 13th May 2014 The Parish Council meeting was held on the 13th May, 2014. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Porter and Reynoldson, Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Ms K Scott. Guest speaker was Mrs Judith Donovan CBE from YDNPA. The Chair welcomed Mrs Donovan to the meeting.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Gardner
2. Election of Councillors: Chairman, Cllr E Whitehead, proposed by Cllr B Porter, seconded by Cllr P Metcalfe. Vice Chairman, Cllr R Calvert, proposed by Cllr P Metcalfe, seconded by Cllr B Porter. Treasurer, Cllr R Calvert, proposed by Cllr P Metcalfe, seconded by Cllr T Reynoldson.
3. Guest Speaker: Mrs J Donovan gave a statistical overview of the size, coverage and activities of the YDNPA. The major impact of the 40% reduction in budget has meant the Authority has to focus its work on key areas. Mrs Donovan urged members of the council and parish to view the Local Plan on the YDNPA website as this drives the work of the Park Authority for the next 5 years and input from residents is vital. The Council gave Mrs Donovan some feedback on the issues of the loss of young people in Swaledale, housing problems and the attitude towards Swaledale applicants by the planning office.
4. Declaration of Interests: None
5. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 25th March, 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Porter. All in favour.
6. Matters Arising: a. Angram village signs: We are still waiting for Highways to complete the Angram sign project. The signs are up, but the one on the Keld side has not been put on the stone plinth and this will be addressed by Highways. b. Defibrillators: Open Spaces and Amenities at RDC have now approved the positioning of the Muker public defibrillator cabinet on the outside wall of the public toilets. The Keld defibrillator cabinet has also been put up. However, neither is working as the actual defibrillator machines have not yet been despatched from the provider and we will have to wait until they come before we can organise the training and awareness events and complete the Project paperwork for RDC. c. Tree clearing: From Low Whita Bridge to Satron, Cllr Porter reported that the work seems to have stopped and what has been done will be ineffective as the removal hasn’t been sufficient. d. Ivelet Bridge: approx. 7 weeks after work started, the bridge is finally finished. The length of time during the 7 weeks where the road was closed and no-one was working on it, was significant and the Council is appalled at the delay. Further representation will be made to Highways as there is some concern that work done is insufficient and the lime mortar used will soon fall out. Cllr Metcalfe has taken photos which will be sent onwards to Highways. The cost of the scaffolding being in place on the bridge for more than a year, the delay between the scaffolding going up and the work starting, plus the original estimate of a 2 week road closure turning into 7 weeks does not reflect well on Highways, however, the Council is aware that some of the restriction has been put upon Highways by YDNPA. Cllr Metcalfe will request a site meeting with all parties to review the work done.
Bus Route 30: The Council is disgusted and will communicate directly with NYCC concerning the loss of this bus route from Reeth to Keld. Particularly about the lack of consultation and the absence of any information about the replacement service which is a very poor substitute. The Chairman will attend a meeting organised by a local action group in Muker on 14th May.
7. Finance: a. The Clerk presented the Audit Commission annual review and will forward to Mr K Pellatt, the Internal Auditor before sending on. b. The Council agreed to pay Mr M Guy, Electrical Services for the work done on the two defibrillator cabinets. 8. Highways: a. Road closure Keld to Nateby: Cllr Calvert reported on the sudden closure of this road without any advanced notification. The problem of slippage on one corner has been a problem for years. On contacting Highways they could provide no information on when the work will start, what they are planning to do and therefore how long the road will be closed. It is a vital road for the community to access Kirkby Stephen and beyond. The local businesses have already reported a reduction in trade due to the road closure. It was also noted that the diversion sign at the Swaledale side of the Buttertubs was totally incorrect – advising drivers to go via Hawes and Leyburn and the A6108 to get to Kirkby Stephen. The A6108 is the road to Ripon. b. Cllr Whitehead reported a blocked drain near the Craft Shop and Old Chapel in Muker. The Clerk to contact Highways with all these matters c. Cllr Porter reported that still nothing had been done on Crow Trees Hill. d. Cllr Reynoldson reported that the wall at the bottom of Thwaite Hill had still not been repaired and this had been reported a year ago.
9. Richmondshire District Council:
10. NYCC: Nothing further to report.
11. YDNPA: Nothing further to report.
12. YLCA: The Council noted the service agreement sent by YLCA.
13. Correspondence/AOB: The Council requested that the Clerk contact someone to come and address the Parish with some further details of the practical arrangements around the Tour De France and its impact on getting to and from work, managing stock etc., The Clerk advised there had been such meetings in Hawes and West Burton.
14. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place at 7.30pm on 24th June and 19th August 2014. Meeting closed at 8.55pm MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 24th June 2014 The Parish Council meeting was held on the 24th June, 2014. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Porter and Gardner. Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Ms K Scott. Guest speakers were Mrs Trish West and Mr Walter Head from The Wensleydale Community Centre in Hawes. The Chair welcomed the guests to the meeting. Members of the public were also in attendance.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Reynoldson
2. Guest Speakers:
a. Mrs Trish West briefly outlined the wide scope of work the Community Office already covers and with only 24 hours’ notice was asked to take on the White Bus service for Upper Swaledale as the Route 30 bus would no longer operate between Reeth and Keld. b. Mr Walter Head explained in further detail how the bus is trying to operate with very severe restrictions both financial and resources. The main point is that volunteer drivers are desperately needed and without these volunteers the service will be impossible to run. Also, we need to ensure that people use the service; provide evidence to the Community Office of when the service has not met needs; offer ideas and suggestions to help make the service as useful to Upper Swaledale as possible. c. The current arrangements are on trial until August. The bus will be re-painted clearly showing the logo and route. Ultimately, the goal is to have a bus based with a paid driver in Swaledale as running a bus service from Hawes via the Buttertubs in Winter is not realistic. d. The Community Office, Parish Council and Parish members are all on the same side and are in agreement that the service is vital to the Upper Dale. e. All members were asked to help spread the word about the need for volunteer drivers and to provide feedback about bus times. Contact the Community Office 01969 667400; [email protected] f. Cllr Gardner is planning a meeting with Cllr Beal and County Council to review the current gaps in the timetable, working with other bus suppliers in the area. A member of the public suggested that all interested parties present join Cllrs Gardner and Beal at the proposed meeting. g. For the time being the service will be measured by the numbers using the bus, not the amount of revenue generated. h. The Chairman thanked Mr Head and Mrs West for their time this evening and additionally for the efforts they put in at short notice to come up with a plan. The Chairman commented that a different timetable might be needed in Winter because people don’t travel so much and there are less visitors.
3. Declaration of Interests: None 4. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 17th May, 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Porter. All in favour.
5. Matters Arising: a. Keld to Nateby land slip: Cllr R Calvert stated how unhappy he was at how this work had been left. The state of the roadside is dangerous and sheep could trap their legs and the loose chippings that have been put down are not a lot of use. Cllr Calvert did speak directly to the contractor, Biker, who was very rude and unhelpful. The work was on common land, yet no-one on the common committee was contacted. There was no reason for the road to be closed at all. b. Defibrillators: These have still not been delivered to us. An error in the suppliers despatch system meant that they believed the defibrillators had been sent when in fact they hadn’t. Mr & Mrs Paul Lyons of Thwaite attended the meeting as they wish to make an application for a defibrillator for Thwaite village. c. Tree Clearance: Cllr B Porter pointed out that the branches at the top of Gunnerside Bridge haven’t been cut and has left a dangerous blind spot.
6. Finance: Nothing to report.
7. Highways:
a. Crow Trees: The Council received a letter stating that this road will be closed for 2 weeks from 26th August. The Clerk contacted Cllr J Blackie as this would affect Muker Show on 3rd Sept. Highways have agreed to keep the road open on Muker Show Day. b. Tour D France: Cllr Gardner reported that the feeder roads will be monitored from 27th June to stop inappropriate parking. Roads will re-open by 6pm on Saturday 5th July.
8. Richmondshire District Council: Nothing to report.
9. NYCC: Nothing to report.
10. YDNPA: Nothing further to report.
11. YLCA: Nothing to report.
12. Correspondence/AOB:
a. A letter had been received by Mrs J Hepworth of South View, Muker concerning the use of the car park recycling area as a toilet and dog fouling area by people visiting Muker and parking in the car park. The Council agreed to request
i. A sign directing people to the toilets opposite the pub ii. A dog litter bin in the car park iii. A sign in the car park outlining all the facilities in the village iv. Request a litter bin with a sticker on that says it accepts dog waste b. The Chairman advised the Council that regretfully, due to work and other commitments, the Clerk Ms K Scott would have to resign and would commence the search for a replacement.
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place at 7.30pm on 19th August 2014, 30th Sept, 4th Nov, 16th Dec. MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 19th August 2014 The Parish Council meeting was held on the 19th August, 2014. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Reynoldson. Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Ms K Scott.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Porter
2. Guest Speaker: The guest speaker from DEFRA DIGITAL who was due this evening has moved to the next meeting.
3. Declaration of Interests: None
4. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 24th June, 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Calvert. All in favour.
5. Matters Arising: a. Keld to Nateby land slip: Cllr R Calvert repeated his opinion that the work on Shivery Gill was inadequate and not finished off properly. The gabions should be sealed off. The need to skim with concrete and should be above ground. The lack of consultation with users of the common land, not just Natural England or Gunnerside Estate is unacceptable. b. Defibrillators: These have been installed successfully at both Muker and Keld. The Thwaite application is still in progress. The grant for the defibrillator itself has been successful, but there are no funds for a cabinet or the required electrical work.
6. Finance: a. An order to pay was raised for Cardiac Science for the Defibrillators. b. The Councillors agreed to close one of the community account and to transfer the funds to the main account. c. The second instalment of the precept was received
7. Highways:
a. Buttertubs: the cattle grid on Clift Side needs repair as shep are able to cross. b. Thwaite Hill bottom: the trees have been chopped at the top, but the roots are growing into the wall, so the trees need removing rather than just taking the tops off. c. Ivelet Bridge: since the recent shoddy repairs were complete, the bridge has been hit on two occasions. The repairs from the 2013 damage look awful and the lime mix insisted upon by YDNPA was not mixed properly and has remained so soft you can put your finger through it, so it is not a surprise that even a glancing blow would cause significant damage. The bridge now needs further repair.
8. Richmondshire District Council: The various items of correspondence were noted. No action required.
9. NYCC: Cllr Calvert is going to NYCC offices to review the Commons Act 2006 review.
10. YDNPA: There were no objects to planning applications from Ivelet Farmhouse and Crakehome, Muker.
11. YLCA: Correspondence was noted. No action required at this time.
12. Correspondence/AOB: None
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting:
The next Parish Council Meetings will take place at 7.30pm on 30th Sept, 4th Nov, 16th Dec. The meeting closed at 8.47pm. MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 13th October, 2014 The Parish Council meeting was held on the 13th October, 2014. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Reynoldson and Gardner. Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Ms K Scott.
1. Apologies for Absence: Cllr Porter
2. Guest Speaker: The guest speaker, Mrs Jane Le Coq from YDNPA, came to discuss the enforced changes by DEFRA to the RPA system where farmers will now have to put all applications via the compulsory online system and this may also apply to Animal Movement Forms. The deadline is March 2015.
The issues are the lack of workable broadband speed; lack of computer skills; lack of or limited computer equipment. The Council was able to provided Mrs Le Coq with the necessary facts and figures about Muker Parish farming community to support YDNPA ideas for supporting those affected by this change. The Council requested a visit by RPA representatives to show them the area, some of the farms to discuss the issues with an online only system and then to have an open meeting in the evening and to include the other service providers e.g. BT.
3. Declaration of Interests: None
4. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 19th August, 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Reynoldson. All in favour.
5. Matters Arising: a. Defibrillators: The Thwaite defibrillator is now installed. Kearton Guest House owners have agreed to be the caretakers and perform the weekly checks. Training needs to be organised. b. New Clerk: Mrs Pat Coates of Aygill Farm has applied for the Clerk’s position. Proposed by Cllr Whitehead, seconded by Cllr Calvert. c. Commons Act: This has been postponed.
6. Finance: a. An order to pay was raised for Ms K Scott, the outgoing Clerk. Proposed by Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Calvert.
7. Highways:
a. Crow Trees Top: Cllr Metcalfe reported that Highways had completed the section from Crow Trees Farm to the road end, but had not completed the worst section which the Council had reported on numerous occasions – the section from Crow Trees Farm up wards towards High Oxnop. The road remains closed but there are no workmen on this section now. b. Silver Hill: Cllr Gardner has organised a visit with a Highways Inspector as Mr Brian Thornborrow had advised that he was pulling out at least one vehicle a month from the wall on Silver Hill as when the road was re-done, the wall has been re-built too far out. c. Muker sign: Cllr Metcalfe reported the theft of the village name sign on the west side of the village. Cllr Gardner said he would pursue this. d. Ivelet Bridge: since the recent shoddy repairs were complete, the bridge has been hit on two occasions. The repairs from the 2013 damage look awful and the lime mix insisted upon by YDNPA was not mixed properly and has remained so soft you can put your finger through it, so it is not a surprise that even a glancing blow would cause significant damage. The bridge now needs further repair. This was reported in last month’s minutes, but was discussed again to bring Cllr Gardner fully up to date.
8. Richmondshire District Council: Nothing to report.
9. NYCC: Nothing to report.
10. YDNPA: Cllr Gardner advised the Council that Airwick have approached the National Park Association regarding the marketing of a new air freshener product related to the Yorkshire Dales. National Parks Association have endorsed this product and set up a company to manage the sponsorship Airwick are prepared to give in return for the product endorsement.
11. YLCA: Nothing to report.
12. Correspondence/AOB: Richmondshire District Council have contacted the Clerk regarding an abandoned trailer just outside Thwaite. It was agreed that the trailer did not belong to any local person and the Clerk should advise RDC to remove it.
13. Date and Time of Next Meeting: 25th November, 2014
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 25th November 2014
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 25th November 2014. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Reynoldson, Porter and Gardner. Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Mrs P Coates.
1. Apologies for Absence: None
2. Declaration of Interests: None
3. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13th October 2014 had been circulated. The wording of point 5-c was amended from ‘postponed’ to ‘delayed’ by Councillor Whitehead. The minutes were approved as a correct record on the proposal of Cllr Metcalfe and seconded by Cllr Calvert. All in favour.
4. Matters Arising: a. Abandoned Trailer: RDC to remove it. b. Ivelet Bridge: The safety and mortar mixture was discussed, and it was suggested to contact YDNP and Highways, Councillor Gardener to agreed to contact both parties. c. Barn Restoration: Councillor Whitehead read out letter received from YDNPA on the legacy they have received for barn restoration within Muker Parish. Councillor Gardener also read out an email he had received on the same subject mentioning that grants may be available. d. Crow Trees: Councillor Porter informed the meeting that the ‘Road Closed’ sign had been left in place for the last three weeks, even though the road had not actually been closed during that time. The works had still not yet been completed. It was requested that an email to be sent, by the clerk, to Highways asking about the signage and how much longer would the job take to be finished. e. Muker Sign: Councillor Gardener to follow up. f. Silver Hill: Bushes on the bend were being arranged to be cut down.
5. Finance: a. An order to pay was raised for Muker Public Hall, Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust and Muker Tour de France Event. Proposed by Cllr Reynoldson and seconded by Cllr Calvert. b. The Council Precept of £1,500 based on previous year’s expenditure will be applied for. Proposed by Cllr Metcalf and seconded by Cllr Calvert. c. The Clerk to complete the Parish Precept application form and return to RDC.
6. Highways:
a. A1 Notice: Cllr Whitehead read out notice received in regard to the overnight closure of A1 scheduled for Saturday 6th December and Saturday 13th December. b. Keld Drains: Work to be started this week on the drains at Keld.
7. Richmondshire District Council: Library service letter received and read out.
8. NYCC: Nothing to report.
9. YDNPA: a. Trees: Notice received to fell one ash tree next to Stockdale House. This work has already been carried out. b. Crake Holme: Notice received of approval for planning application for installation of Solar Panels.
10. YLCA: Nothing to report.
11. Correspondence/AOB:
a. Bus Timetable: New LWB Swaledale Service timetable mentioned. b. Motor Rally: A Notice has been received from YDNPA in regard to a proposed motor rally which will pass through the Parish during 6th-8th December. c. Bank Signatures: Cllr Whitehead to enquire at Bank to change from two to three signatories on Parish Bank Account. d. Financial Risk Assessment: The Clerk to write a ‘Financial Risk Assessment’ for the Parish Council and present to next Parish Council meeting to be signed by Chairman.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting: The next Parish Council Meetings will take place at 7.30p.m. on 13th January 2015 and 11th March 2015
The meeting closed at 8.15pm. MUKER PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES OF PARISH CONCIL MEETING HELD ON 20th January 2015
The Parish Council meeting was held on the 20th January 2015. Councillors Metcalfe, Calvert, Reynoldson, Porter and Gardner. Councillor Whitehead presiding. The Clerk was Mrs P Coates.
1. Apologies for Absence: None 2. Declaration of Interests: None 3. Minutes of previous meeting: The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 25th November 2014 had been circulated. The minutes were approved as a correct record. All in favour.
4. Matters Arising:
a. Crow Trees – An email had been sent to highways and a reply received and read out. The reply informed the Parish Council that the delays were due to the cattle grid been fabricated. It was decided to highlight to Highways the issue of soil removed from the gutter, which was causing more water to flow on the road and the road to become more narrowed. b. Bank signatures – It was proposed to add Cllr Metcalfe as a signatory on the Parish Council Bank account, and future cheques to be signed by two of the three approved signatories. The relevant forms were filled in and signed during the meeting. c. Parish Precept – The meeting was informed that the Parish Council Precept form had been sent. d. Keld drains – Work had now started on the Drains at Keld. e. Rough sleeper estimate – A reply had been sent to RDC.
5. Finance: Payments have been received for the Defibrillator and the repayment of VAT 6. Highways: a. Waiting restrictions - It was decided to write to the highways in regard to the lack of repainting the ‘yellow lines’ in Muker. b. Missing sign - Councillor Gardener reported on the correspondence he had currently had with Highways in regard to a replacement sign for Muker. He had been informed that the Parish Council would be liable for the cost of a replacement sign which would cost approximately £200.00. In this regard Cllr Gardener highlighted to Highways that previously other replacement village signs had been funded by their department. The issue was still ongoing and will be covered by Cllr John Blackie during the Upper Dales Area Partnership meeting to be held on the 21st January at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes. c. Gritting – The issue of the lack of grit spread from the Council gritting wagon in some areas is a problem in the Parish. An email was requested to be sent to Highways reminding them the road is classed as ‘Priority One’, that there are some concerns as to the times the gritting wagon is journeying on the road as it does not seem to be attending to the roads prior to the school transport coming up the dale to collect children. And to mention that trying to encourage younger people to live in the area will not be made any easier if links for access to work and school is not possible as the roads are inaccessible during periods of winter.
7. Richmondshire D.C. a. The Parish Council was in receipt of the Register of Elections and Electors. b. The agenda for the UDAP meeting and the applications to be considered was mentioned. c. Communities Opportunity Fund has extended its Deadline. Cllr Gardener informed the Parish Councillors that a claim has been applied for by Muker Instutute.
8. NYCC: The contract for the Swaledale Shuttle service had been awarded to ‘The Little White Bus’. The new contract will start in April 2015.
9. YDNPA: a. Details of the changes to National Planning Policy on Affordable Housing were read out. b. Notification had been received for prior approval for the change of use of an agricultural building to an office from Mr & Mrs Pealing of Alice House Farm, Skeugh Head, Angram. The National Park Authority is withholding approval of the proposal. A full planning application will be required for the development and change of use postponed. c. A Planning Application has been received from Keld Lodge Hotel, Keld for full planning for erection of wall with doorway and windows to infill open area to front of store. Muker Parish Council has no objections.
10. YLCA: The limit for the next financial year will be £7.36 per elector.
11. Correspondence/AOB:
a. A letter has been received from Richmondshire Sport Association enquiring if there are any local groups/clubs within the area wishing to apply for funding from the Communities Opportunity Fund operated by Richmondshire District Council. Closing date for applications is 20th February 2015. b. The next Health Watch Meeting is to be held on Monday 26th January at the Aysgarth Surgery at 7.30p.m. c. Defibrillator checklist has been received and a copy will be issued to a village representative for Keld, Thwaite and Muker.
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting: The next Parish Council Meetings will take place on Tuesday 10th March 2015. Proceeded by the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.30p.m.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.